Harold_Parker

Harold Parker State Forest, Andover MA

By Bill Boles

Location: North Andover, MA 978 686-3391


Difficulty--: Easy:30%, Moderate:30%, Difficult:30%, Caution:10%
Description: Harold Parker State Forest is located in the towns of Andover, North Andover, Middleton and North Reading. The forest has over 30 miles of old woods roads and singletracks. And the singletracks are some of the most enjoyable to be experienced in the region.
: NEMBA members have been active in the forest, repairing old trails and constructing new ones. I start most of my rides in the eastern section of the forest off Harold Parker Road where there are numerous small parking areas. Alternatively many riders start nearer to the center of the forest at the intersection of Jenkins Road and Harold Parker Road. Other's park at the Berry Pond parking area, where, in season, they can enjoy a swim after their ride.
The Lorraine Pond campground has 91 sites and most of the forest's trailheads are nearby.
At least a few days will be needed to fully explore all of the trails that Harold Parker has to offer. And I'd suggest bringing a copy of the trail map so that you won't get too badly lost. Of course the official DCR trail map doesn't show all of the forest's trails. But at least all of the roads and major intersections are on it.

: Every year North Shore NEMBA hosts the Wicked Ride of the East at Harold Parker. This is a fun event that uses many of the best trails in the forest including many that North Shore NEMBA has had a hand in maintaining. Be sure to check out the route map for the 2005 event.
For more information on Harold Parker, including camping and swimming visit the DCR's Harold Parker Website.
: But the best way to get introduced to Harold Parker's trails is to explore. Go there, take off on a trail, and get lost. Then find yourself, and get lost again. You'll never be too far from a paved road; so cutting the forest up into pavement encircled blocks will keep things manageable. Not to mention provide you with many days of fun exploring.
I particularly like the way the singletracks make use of all of the forest's best terrain. They wind around and over all of the forests' hills and provide you with many scenic photo opportunities along the shores of the forest's many ponds.
Rules: Expect hunters during hunting season. However, there is no hunting in Massachusetts on Sundays.
The Berry Pond day use area is open for swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day and the Lorranie Park Campground is open from mid April to mid October.
Directions: From route 93 take exit 41. Follow 125 north (toward Andover), for about 4 miles to the State Police Barracks (on right). Turn right on Harold Parker Rd. The Jenkins Road intersection is about one mile away. And the campground is down a little ways on your right.; .